Dhanush who had earlier wooed the South Indian audience with his acting skills, chose a script tailor made for him to launch himself into Bollywood. The movie, doesn't disappoint those who enjoyed the stories where love stands above everything else in life. To top it all, when you have ARR weaving his magic with some sublime music, the beauty of Banaras just comes alive in front of your eyes. The three main characters, all have their own shades of grey and more often than not they stem from Love. Sonam for once does justice to her role, she grew into her role as the movie progressed and gave a telling performance that she could reflect back with pride. Abhay was as flawless as ever, just easing through his role with nonchalant ease. It would only be fair if i end where I started - Dhanush simply stole the show with his intense portrayal of a person driven by love, a person who does the most stupid, brave and incomprehensible of things in the name of love. My Verdict: Expect a love story with a traditional characterization supported by some brilliant music and clean performances by the lead cast - you won't be disappointed.
166 Reviews
Romantic saga with desi flavor
sapraakshat26 June 2013
Well, I will not start with telling about story as it will spoil the fun for the people who haven't seen the movie or will see in the future, but I can see it is already spoiled here.
1> But I have to start with story which is extremely interwoven together. Now a days when people talk about first half and second half which doesn't matter according to me. Story has all the elements be it fun, romance, drama and it has a classic desi Indian touch with it because movie is based in varansi which gives it a flavor with its crispy language, people, ethnicity. Its pleasure to watch reality in the movie when all the movies releasing are masala shits.
2> If music is given by A.R. Rahman there is no point talking about it. Mucic was flowing like butter.
3> Performances are best like characters are meant for them. Dhanush is awesome in his performance. He is a delight to watch. The way he delivers his dialogues is super cool and his accent has a roughness and his south Indian accent doesn't interferes with his Hindi accent. Sonam looks sober and does her part with full conviction, Supporting cast especially Kundan's friend "Murari" is fun to watch.
4> Dialogues has everything from catchphrases, roughness to desi gaaliyan of UP.
Overall, it is a very good film after such a long time as we don't come across these days in bollywood :)
1> But I have to start with story which is extremely interwoven together. Now a days when people talk about first half and second half which doesn't matter according to me. Story has all the elements be it fun, romance, drama and it has a classic desi Indian touch with it because movie is based in varansi which gives it a flavor with its crispy language, people, ethnicity. Its pleasure to watch reality in the movie when all the movies releasing are masala shits.
2> If music is given by A.R. Rahman there is no point talking about it. Mucic was flowing like butter.
3> Performances are best like characters are meant for them. Dhanush is awesome in his performance. He is a delight to watch. The way he delivers his dialogues is super cool and his accent has a roughness and his south Indian accent doesn't interferes with his Hindi accent. Sonam looks sober and does her part with full conviction, Supporting cast especially Kundan's friend "Murari" is fun to watch.
4> Dialogues has everything from catchphrases, roughness to desi gaaliyan of UP.
Overall, it is a very good film after such a long time as we don't come across these days in bollywood :)
movie with its heart in right place..... Outstanding effort.
manikagarwal222 June 2013
simply marvelous.... especially from a movie where d hero has so very unorthodox looks for a Bollywood actor but,wait ...u will forget that as d story moves on beautifully crafted on screen by the "tanu weds manu"(another interesting flick)director n acted upon by same guy.. Dis movie belongs to him only( heard he was d youngest recipient of the national award for the best actor down south) ... Dhanush with his simplistic looks,so very expressive face n true act oozes life in his on screen character.. With his earthly charm,he truly has carved out a niche for himself.. The director has succeeded once again in portraying our U.P. in such beautiful colors,capturing the mood n by-lanes of the people of eastern U.P. with gr8 detail.. Complemented by the so very fresh n beautiful sonam who seems like is going to dethrone d ladies at the top!!! Look for the dhanush's friend,a kin in all weathers,his sis who truly adores the local lad and not to forget abhay... In all, the director has managed to bring out the potential in every actor and has given the viewer some meaningful work.. Worth mentioning are the dialogues too which will both make u both laugh and give something to think about,kudos man.... and the soulful tunes to laud the effort by d Mozart from chennai ... worth a 2nd watch, meaningful one sided love story.... Majestic..
Dhanush all the way!
travelnitweet22 June 2013
What can I say? I went to watch this movie after reading all the reviews online - Therefore with high expectations. Well, I was still blown over by the movie or should I say DHANUSH! Ranjhanaa is based on a topic that is so far reaching and yet is that much more realistic! Every scene is delicately handled and the emotional parts were so subtle.Everyone in the screen just melted away and got hazy when Dhanush was in it. He makes you laugh, cry, hate him, and sympathize with him at the same time. AR Rahman's music was divine and seamlessly blended with the storyline. Excellent performances by the whole cast - But Dhanush owns the movie! A definite must watch!!!
Lovely movie
ishpreetsingh-chadha21 June 2013
Lovely movie, it had a twist and a blend of action, drama, romance, a little bit fiction too. The movie is worth a watch. it displays the actuality of the people, their nature and all i loved the romantic part of the movie as well. it was fun, interesting and very very entertaining too. I seriously recommend it to be watched. it has a little bit abuses which aren't suitable for a child's attention. if you are looking for a movie to watch for fun, to cry, to feel love, experience pain,i am pretty astonished about "Dhanush" as this was his first movie in the Bollywood and he made his mark pretty high. People it must be watched at least once, and i am very sure about going to the cinemas to see it again Enjoy, It is not something either that will get you bored during the movie. The movie has brilliant direction, acting. For me its a 11/10
Well done Dhanush!
jhingalalahmm22 June 2013
What is different about this movie? Dhanush. An ordinary looking actor from the Tamil Film Industry. And what has he done? He has very easily managed to carry the entire film on his two shoulders. Not an easy task, but he has done it. Reason? His immense talent and experience. Not once did I feel bored watching him act flawlessly. Sonam Kapoor is another surprise package of this movie. She has also acted very well. If she wants to be taken seriously as an actor, she must do roles with meat like the one in this movie. Abhay Deol has a guest appearance which he has performed well as expected. I was sceptical about this movie but was I surprised! I am glad I went and watched this movie in a theatre. Money well spent I must say. I wont give away anything about the story in my review. I'll just say, please go and watch the movie in a theatre. And last but not the least, I want to say, "Well done Dhanush, Welcome to Hindi Film Industry!".
This movie belong to DHANUSH !!!
jahanzebcity18 July 2013
Trust me, This is the 1st time I am writing a review about any movie, I never bothered to write a review but after watching this movie I simply couldn't resist myself to appreciate the work done in this movie.
I have to say, no matter how good the story is or the music is if the lead role did not perform his or her acting well then its not going to be a hit.
This movie has almost everything.. Music by Sir A.R Rehman which has got the divine power in itself. Good story and Brilliant acting, Specially by this Tamil guy "DHANUSH" what a great actor he is I must say.. The way he has delivered every dialogues is just mind blowing. His face expressions, his body language and his emotions at some parts of the movie is so real that it makes you feel touched.
I would say, if you haven't watched this movie yet then you're missing out big time. This movie is worth a watch. specially if you like Romantic or drama movies then this is the one movie for you! I would rate this movie 10/10 and I mean it.. just cause of "DHANUSH"
I have to say, no matter how good the story is or the music is if the lead role did not perform his or her acting well then its not going to be a hit.
This movie has almost everything.. Music by Sir A.R Rehman which has got the divine power in itself. Good story and Brilliant acting, Specially by this Tamil guy "DHANUSH" what a great actor he is I must say.. The way he has delivered every dialogues is just mind blowing. His face expressions, his body language and his emotions at some parts of the movie is so real that it makes you feel touched.
I would say, if you haven't watched this movie yet then you're missing out big time. This movie is worth a watch. specially if you like Romantic or drama movies then this is the one movie for you! I would rate this movie 10/10 and I mean it.. just cause of "DHANUSH"
A Distinctive Take On Love !!
dbdipashri21 June 2013
PROEM: It was an intensely hued picture which showed a young boy standing with a fascinated glance in his eyes & a pretty girl portraying the semblance of cheerfulness amidst the vibrant colors of pink, green, yellow & red; thereby recreating the festival of Holi in a rectangular first look poster of 'Raanjhanaa' !!
Colors always attract our eyes.Also I felt curious about the movie after knowing that it belongs to romantic genre.'Love' is probably the only word in a Dictionary which neither can be explained in a sentence nor has any perfect synonyms.Today while watching this love story, I could virtually visualize that thought of Rose Franken: "Anyone can be passionate, but it takes real lovers to be silly.." !! Let me illustrate this journey of 'Raanjhanaa' in the following paragraphs !!
MOVIE: Shot in Benaras & Delhi, 'Raanjhanaa' narrates a tale of love through Kundan (Dhanush), Zoya (Sonam Kapoor) & Akram/Jasjeet (Abhay Deol)..Kundan (a Brahmin boy) & Zoya (a Muslim girl) were brought up in Benaras, where Kundan expressed his love for Zoya during his teenage days.After growing up, Zoya took admission in Jawaharlal Nehru University where she fell in love with an university student cum socialist Akram..What happens next forms the crux of the story.
'LIKE's: 1) Cinematography by N. Subramanian and Vishal Sinha is astounding + Editing by H. Kothari & Choreography by Bosco-Caesar are impressive + Story/Screenplay by H. Sharma is a bit different than an usual romantic drama + Dialogues are extremely witty at many sequences + Acting by the leading & supporting casts are marvelous + Set design by T. U. Khan is befitting + Direction by Anand L. Rai is appreciable !!
2) MUSIC: A big applause to A.R.Rahman for such an wonderful soundtrack (well supported by Irshad Kamil's catchy lyrics) & appropriate background score..For example,
a) When Kundan showed his anger on Zoya for the first time, there the synthesizer chords fluctuated in a bizarre way to create the effect of displeasure & it was done repeatedly with different chords to break the harmony, so that audience could better relate to the scene.
b) In a gloomy conversation between Kundan & Zoya, where Kundan suddenly felt the ray of hope, he turned up his head towards Zoya..In that split second, Rahman used the rhythm of 'Tabla' in a tricky way to express Kundan's expectation which struck the heart of viewers too !!
3) A SPECIAL MENTION TO :
a) That scene where Zoya was about to leave Benaras by train with teary eyes & Kundan ran to meet her, multiple water patches were shown in the rail station, as if rain just happened, thereby subconsciously magnified the mood of separation since rains are often attributed to a heavy heart..
b) MakeUp Artists for giving Sonam the minimal touch up, which amplified the innocence of a face rather than glamour..Beauty can either flashes the eyes of a beholder like a mid-day sun or soothes the same like a morning dewdrop..Since the latter better suits the character of Zoya, so the lipstick/blusher/eye-shadow even eyeliners were absolutely unnecessary here apart from the marriage scene, where a loud make up was needed & make up experts also did the right job there by painting the line of eye-liner a bit above the corner of eyes + stark red lipstick..
'DISLIKE's: Very few are there, for example; 1) In the song 'Tum Tak', the lip movements of Dhanush were not synchronous with the voice of the playback singer..Looked like, the song was coming from a mike & the actor was just singing on his own..
2) First half was too romantic & at times, the efforts of Kundan to please Zoya looked silly..In Second half, the focus were more on politics, thereby concentration of romance got diluted by leadership activities..
3) Both Dhanush & Sonam looked misfit in the role of school going teenagers + Opening sequence was dull + Too much slapping on Kundan's face by Zoya ultimately invited humor rather than sympathy..That profound scene where Akram's mother was about to touch Kundan's cheek for greeting, I heard some boys laughing crazily behind my seat & saying, "Stop..Stop..No more slapping" !!
MESSAGE: There is a lyrics from the musical 'Cinderella' which says: "Do I love you because you're beautiful, Or, are you beautiful because I love you ?" !! One can easily relate this line to those love struck eyes of Kundan which glitter more than the pole star even in the shadow of Zoya..Of late, Zoya fell in love with Akram, because she considered 'Kundan part' as a childlike crush + Akram fitted the bill as per educational & social qualification..From here, the dilemma of selecting a lover/partner arrives, accompanied by a dialogue where Kundan's friend Murari (M. Z. Ayyub) told him that girls are more likely to marry Doctors/Engineers rather than ordinary boys of the same locality, since the question of love comes secondary to their mind..Obviously material satisfaction plays a vital role in such decisions..But, if an abstract force (love) plays a guest appearance in the same scenario & makes one cherish that pleasure somewhat like this: "To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might be the world", then should not one rise above the narrow parameters set by the society/religions ?
Once Tom Robbins said: "We waste time looking for the perfect lover, instead of creating the perfect love.." !! Life does not give us multiple chances..In this densely populated sphere of Earth, there is always a scarcity of those persons who can sacrifice his/her deepest desires to bring sunshine in the face of their loved ones..Don't let go that kind heart, if by chance you find him/her..
With the mellifluous touch of Shehnai, 'Raanjhanaa' sublimely delivered this tacit message in a pictorial way, making the film worth a watch !!
Absolutely Recommended !!
Colors always attract our eyes.Also I felt curious about the movie after knowing that it belongs to romantic genre.'Love' is probably the only word in a Dictionary which neither can be explained in a sentence nor has any perfect synonyms.Today while watching this love story, I could virtually visualize that thought of Rose Franken: "Anyone can be passionate, but it takes real lovers to be silly.." !! Let me illustrate this journey of 'Raanjhanaa' in the following paragraphs !!
MOVIE: Shot in Benaras & Delhi, 'Raanjhanaa' narrates a tale of love through Kundan (Dhanush), Zoya (Sonam Kapoor) & Akram/Jasjeet (Abhay Deol)..Kundan (a Brahmin boy) & Zoya (a Muslim girl) were brought up in Benaras, where Kundan expressed his love for Zoya during his teenage days.After growing up, Zoya took admission in Jawaharlal Nehru University where she fell in love with an university student cum socialist Akram..What happens next forms the crux of the story.
'LIKE's: 1) Cinematography by N. Subramanian and Vishal Sinha is astounding + Editing by H. Kothari & Choreography by Bosco-Caesar are impressive + Story/Screenplay by H. Sharma is a bit different than an usual romantic drama + Dialogues are extremely witty at many sequences + Acting by the leading & supporting casts are marvelous + Set design by T. U. Khan is befitting + Direction by Anand L. Rai is appreciable !!
2) MUSIC: A big applause to A.R.Rahman for such an wonderful soundtrack (well supported by Irshad Kamil's catchy lyrics) & appropriate background score..For example,
a) When Kundan showed his anger on Zoya for the first time, there the synthesizer chords fluctuated in a bizarre way to create the effect of displeasure & it was done repeatedly with different chords to break the harmony, so that audience could better relate to the scene.
b) In a gloomy conversation between Kundan & Zoya, where Kundan suddenly felt the ray of hope, he turned up his head towards Zoya..In that split second, Rahman used the rhythm of 'Tabla' in a tricky way to express Kundan's expectation which struck the heart of viewers too !!
3) A SPECIAL MENTION TO :
a) That scene where Zoya was about to leave Benaras by train with teary eyes & Kundan ran to meet her, multiple water patches were shown in the rail station, as if rain just happened, thereby subconsciously magnified the mood of separation since rains are often attributed to a heavy heart..
b) MakeUp Artists for giving Sonam the minimal touch up, which amplified the innocence of a face rather than glamour..Beauty can either flashes the eyes of a beholder like a mid-day sun or soothes the same like a morning dewdrop..Since the latter better suits the character of Zoya, so the lipstick/blusher/eye-shadow even eyeliners were absolutely unnecessary here apart from the marriage scene, where a loud make up was needed & make up experts also did the right job there by painting the line of eye-liner a bit above the corner of eyes + stark red lipstick..
'DISLIKE's: Very few are there, for example; 1) In the song 'Tum Tak', the lip movements of Dhanush were not synchronous with the voice of the playback singer..Looked like, the song was coming from a mike & the actor was just singing on his own..
2) First half was too romantic & at times, the efforts of Kundan to please Zoya looked silly..In Second half, the focus were more on politics, thereby concentration of romance got diluted by leadership activities..
3) Both Dhanush & Sonam looked misfit in the role of school going teenagers + Opening sequence was dull + Too much slapping on Kundan's face by Zoya ultimately invited humor rather than sympathy..That profound scene where Akram's mother was about to touch Kundan's cheek for greeting, I heard some boys laughing crazily behind my seat & saying, "Stop..Stop..No more slapping" !!
MESSAGE: There is a lyrics from the musical 'Cinderella' which says: "Do I love you because you're beautiful, Or, are you beautiful because I love you ?" !! One can easily relate this line to those love struck eyes of Kundan which glitter more than the pole star even in the shadow of Zoya..Of late, Zoya fell in love with Akram, because she considered 'Kundan part' as a childlike crush + Akram fitted the bill as per educational & social qualification..From here, the dilemma of selecting a lover/partner arrives, accompanied by a dialogue where Kundan's friend Murari (M. Z. Ayyub) told him that girls are more likely to marry Doctors/Engineers rather than ordinary boys of the same locality, since the question of love comes secondary to their mind..Obviously material satisfaction plays a vital role in such decisions..But, if an abstract force (love) plays a guest appearance in the same scenario & makes one cherish that pleasure somewhat like this: "To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might be the world", then should not one rise above the narrow parameters set by the society/religions ?
Once Tom Robbins said: "We waste time looking for the perfect lover, instead of creating the perfect love.." !! Life does not give us multiple chances..In this densely populated sphere of Earth, there is always a scarcity of those persons who can sacrifice his/her deepest desires to bring sunshine in the face of their loved ones..Don't let go that kind heart, if by chance you find him/her..
With the mellifluous touch of Shehnai, 'Raanjhanaa' sublimely delivered this tacit message in a pictorial way, making the film worth a watch !!
Absolutely Recommended !!
When love makes you do things you never expected
shafiullah-hameed6 August 2013
Warning: Spoilers
one of the few topics Bollywood has to revolve around ( i.e love, comedy, politics and fights where villain is down before being punched) this movie is one with a lover's pursuit of getting its love with a fine touch of political turnout. A friendship which will accompany the crazy guy beyond its limits. This is a good new talent. The guy has a movable character.The dialogues have been polished. Hindu Muslim Racial issues have been addressed. political ways of evil ruling and apprehensions created by it to the upcoming reforming parties is also the part of this 148 minutes of romance. Love begetting hatred and still pursuing its beloved with out second thoughts with the migration from Banaras to Delhi and righting the wrong with a side turn towards politics resulting in some unexpected results and losses is the essence of this movie. If you are emotional and sentimental person you would need some tissue papers to wipe your tears on and some friend to share the laughing moments with and of course an ideal to follow if you have some of your own pursuit of Mary.
director nailed it but its time to come with some new ideas where love comedy and stupid fights are not just the only topics to waste more than two hours on. In nut shell this movie doesn't suck unlike many other crap from Bollywood. But this field needs a lot to work on.
director nailed it but its time to come with some new ideas where love comedy and stupid fights are not just the only topics to waste more than two hours on. In nut shell this movie doesn't suck unlike many other crap from Bollywood. But this field needs a lot to work on.
Love -- With A Different View !!
prantickb26 June 2013
Raanjhanaa, what can I say about the film!! As an avid film buff I have compel to write this bollywood movie review. It's an unique movie, so bollywood but so unique and refreshing! It is a definitive multi-layered story woven beautifully with a great but complex script.
Script is complex, multi-layered but transparent to viewer. It starts from boy meets girl and narrates philosophy, dedication, progression of life with love. And how it turns to an unique love story that should not be missed.
The editing is very good at first half, but it should be more stringent in the second half. Cinematography is marvelous, Baranasi can be this beautiful? then you have to watch it.
Songs and lyrics woven beautifully in the story. You can not side-line the songs and watch the movie; it is practically lyrical story. AR Rehman creates a blend of true Indian flavored music here.
Dialogues are also playing a crucial part in the film. From witty to cliché, from orthodox to unorthodox, it varies and triumphs.
When you are seeing the acting of the film, Dhanush has really become Kundan. Dhanush never existed in this film, only Kundan has. That should sum up the acting depth infused in the film as Kundan. Welcome Dhanush to bollywood. Sonam is beautiful and well enacted the role. She is more compelling towards ending of the film.
Another advantage director uses in his film that is supporting actors. Special mention to Murari(Kundan's friend) and Bindiya. Both have the best one-liners of the film and their acting was just apt. Abhay Deol is also good.
Director Mr. Rai presents you a story with great attributes. Celebrate, cheers, empathizes and of course fall in love....with a bit of sacrifice.....Raanjhanaa !!!
Script is complex, multi-layered but transparent to viewer. It starts from boy meets girl and narrates philosophy, dedication, progression of life with love. And how it turns to an unique love story that should not be missed.
The editing is very good at first half, but it should be more stringent in the second half. Cinematography is marvelous, Baranasi can be this beautiful? then you have to watch it.
Songs and lyrics woven beautifully in the story. You can not side-line the songs and watch the movie; it is practically lyrical story. AR Rehman creates a blend of true Indian flavored music here.
Dialogues are also playing a crucial part in the film. From witty to cliché, from orthodox to unorthodox, it varies and triumphs.
When you are seeing the acting of the film, Dhanush has really become Kundan. Dhanush never existed in this film, only Kundan has. That should sum up the acting depth infused in the film as Kundan. Welcome Dhanush to bollywood. Sonam is beautiful and well enacted the role. She is more compelling towards ending of the film.
Another advantage director uses in his film that is supporting actors. Special mention to Murari(Kundan's friend) and Bindiya. Both have the best one-liners of the film and their acting was just apt. Abhay Deol is also good.
Director Mr. Rai presents you a story with great attributes. Celebrate, cheers, empathizes and of course fall in love....with a bit of sacrifice.....Raanjhanaa !!!
Movie oscillates between immortal and practical love
dineshprakash21 June 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Director Mr. Anand L. Rai work is superb. He had made the film so new, fresh and enjoyable by adding fine nuances through new taking and shots. This film is a good example of great rapport between writer and director. Writer Himanshu Sharma work is good and fresh. Especially the dialogues are just fantastic. Promos were reflecting that the film must be about immortal love and the title of the film was sounding like that. Film starts on very blissful and sweet note. Starting one hour of film is mind blowing but then some political issues diverts it. Although, some political satires are very intelligent but I was in mood to watch more love then any practicality. Even I am not able to digest the climax. I believe in giving and forgiving type of love not in revenge taking type. If, someone loves you blindly and purely then you shouldn't take revenge to him whatever he has done by impulse. You can be angry with that person for sometime but If you take cold blooded revenge then I am unable to justify it. Performance wise Dhanush work is superb. Sonam is okey. She fails to deliver the intensity of the scenes especially in loud ones. Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub as Murari work is very good. Swara Bhaskar as Bindiya is fantastic. Abhay Deol is fine. The boy , who played young Kundan is very good. Music by A.R.Rehman supports the film and mood very well.
made my day
Shashiishere23 June 2013
This is one of those rare breed of movies in Bollywood that dare to go beyond the commercial crowd pleasers. Fortunately we are seeing more of such kind each day. Having said that, this is a highly entertaining paisaa vasool venture with substance. Kudos to the writer and director who gave us the soulful Tanu weds Manu but this time he sets his mark higher.
The movie takes you on journey with Kundan who is brilliantly plated by Dhanush right from his school days in Banaras to his ultimate destiny. Its very hard not to feel for the guy and cheer him,laugh with him, feel with him and it definitely makes one nostalgic and teary eyed at the same time.
There are many amazing sequences in the film which are so realistic that you can really feel the main man crying,smiling,puking at various stages of the movie.His transformation from a school boy with a crush, through a youth with stubble and only one real goal in life, to an atonement seeking person is palpable.
Mind you though its made to be a love story it almost never gets into stereotypes or clichés and keeps us on the edge of the seat with its thrilling twists throughout the course.
Of course the main character is aided by a wonderful support cast from his friend Murari who gets the best one-liners, his childhood girlfriend, Abhay deol who plays his role with ease and surprisingly Sonam Kapoor who has dared to do something different & succeeded.
But the movies greatest strength is Dhanush who can make you cheer for him even when he's slashing his wrist, or riding is love into the river when he realizes she in love with somebody else.
On the flip side his role as a political leader seems over stretched after the racy 1st half and some of the actions of the lead female towards the end are not understandable.
All in all if you want to watch desi realistic love story with raw human emotions and unpolished drama here's your chance. Don't miss it!
The movie takes you on journey with Kundan who is brilliantly plated by Dhanush right from his school days in Banaras to his ultimate destiny. Its very hard not to feel for the guy and cheer him,laugh with him, feel with him and it definitely makes one nostalgic and teary eyed at the same time.
There are many amazing sequences in the film which are so realistic that you can really feel the main man crying,smiling,puking at various stages of the movie.His transformation from a school boy with a crush, through a youth with stubble and only one real goal in life, to an atonement seeking person is palpable.
Mind you though its made to be a love story it almost never gets into stereotypes or clichés and keeps us on the edge of the seat with its thrilling twists throughout the course.
Of course the main character is aided by a wonderful support cast from his friend Murari who gets the best one-liners, his childhood girlfriend, Abhay deol who plays his role with ease and surprisingly Sonam Kapoor who has dared to do something different & succeeded.
But the movies greatest strength is Dhanush who can make you cheer for him even when he's slashing his wrist, or riding is love into the river when he realizes she in love with somebody else.
On the flip side his role as a political leader seems over stretched after the racy 1st half and some of the actions of the lead female towards the end are not understandable.
All in all if you want to watch desi realistic love story with raw human emotions and unpolished drama here's your chance. Don't miss it!
FLAWED .. YET, DEFINITELY WORTH A WATCH !
postsenthil27 October 2019
In Raanjhanaa, director Anand L Rai returns to familiar territory of unrequited love which he'd explored with some success in his previous movie Tanu weds Manu. As with that movie, this movie also set in the Hindu heartland, in this case, a vivid & colorful Benares. Here too, the hero played by Dhanush falls head over heels for the lady Sonam Kapoor.
Dhanush plays Kundan, a Tamil Brahmin born & brought up in Benares whose ancestors had moved to be priests in a local temple. As a boy, he comes upon Zoya, the daughter of an affluent Muslim professor and it is eternal love at first sight for him. After several years of persistent pursuit, nay stalking, umpteen slaps and a slashed wrist, Zoya finally relents and reciprocates only to find the age old cliche of differing religions being raised and her parents pack her off to study at Aligarh initially & therafter, at JNU. While at JNU, she falls in love with the idealist student leader Abhay Deol. However, Kundan remains obsessed with his love for her and awaits her return and when she returns, he is devastated to know that she has not only forgotten about him, but is also in love with someone else.
The first hour of the movie sails through smoothly with many a light moment set in the earthy & colorful milieu of Benares capturing the city in all its rustic charm. However, as soon as the movie moves out of the Benares to Delhi & beyond and tries to dabble in issues such as campus politics and hot social issues in news, the narrative feels contrived & comes unstuck.
Despite its several flaws, the movie remains eminently watchable for its positives. For one, Rai has made this movie with lot of heart and national award winning actor Dhanush, making his Bollywood debut, has given a sparkling performance and has carried the movie through on his slender, yet very able shoulders. Sonam Kapoor looks good and has an elegant screen presence, but still has a some way to go in terms of performance especially in the more emotional scenes. The leads are ably supported by the stellar cameos by Mohammad Zeeshan Ayub as Kundan's best friend Murari and Swara Bhaskar as Bindiya, Kundan's childhood friend who eternally pines for him. The movie benefits to a great measure from A.R. Rahman's music which blends nicely with the proceedings and some splendid cinematography which captures the city of Benares in all its colourful glory.
Dhanush plays Kundan, a Tamil Brahmin born & brought up in Benares whose ancestors had moved to be priests in a local temple. As a boy, he comes upon Zoya, the daughter of an affluent Muslim professor and it is eternal love at first sight for him. After several years of persistent pursuit, nay stalking, umpteen slaps and a slashed wrist, Zoya finally relents and reciprocates only to find the age old cliche of differing religions being raised and her parents pack her off to study at Aligarh initially & therafter, at JNU. While at JNU, she falls in love with the idealist student leader Abhay Deol. However, Kundan remains obsessed with his love for her and awaits her return and when she returns, he is devastated to know that she has not only forgotten about him, but is also in love with someone else.
The first hour of the movie sails through smoothly with many a light moment set in the earthy & colorful milieu of Benares capturing the city in all its rustic charm. However, as soon as the movie moves out of the Benares to Delhi & beyond and tries to dabble in issues such as campus politics and hot social issues in news, the narrative feels contrived & comes unstuck.
Despite its several flaws, the movie remains eminently watchable for its positives. For one, Rai has made this movie with lot of heart and national award winning actor Dhanush, making his Bollywood debut, has given a sparkling performance and has carried the movie through on his slender, yet very able shoulders. Sonam Kapoor looks good and has an elegant screen presence, but still has a some way to go in terms of performance especially in the more emotional scenes. The leads are ably supported by the stellar cameos by Mohammad Zeeshan Ayub as Kundan's best friend Murari and Swara Bhaskar as Bindiya, Kundan's childhood friend who eternally pines for him. The movie benefits to a great measure from A.R. Rahman's music which blends nicely with the proceedings and some splendid cinematography which captures the city of Benares in all its colourful glory.
Doesn't make any sense
jaydeepdixit30 May 2021
To love something or someone and destroyed by it completely (Fanaa) is the life's truer eminence, the movie pretty much ends with this concept .
iamrafee11 July 2013
At last done with Raanjhaana (2013)
In the end it cannot be considered as typical bollywood cliché love story. Story writer's non-communal thought has been strongly reflected in this film. In past days race, religion was noted as major facts and were responsible for creating discrimination but as day passed thinking of human about race and religion may have changed but human race is still keeping this discrimination alive by creating some boundaries of educational qualification, status and financial stability, which is too tough to break, who knows nearly impossible even with extreme love and passion.
The interesting part of this film perhaps starts from the point where "Shiba's" incognito boy Kundan falls in love with zoya while she was praying. Kundan's character here noticeably resembles Ranjha's character in myth. Here Kundan is the son of Hindu scholar on the other hand zoya belongs from an educated, middle-class family. But as the movie tends towards conclusion, it is not the religion that stands as obstacle rather it is the intellectual difference between them that does. But in the end they overcome those obstacles with love. So here in the end it is love that makes a triumphant journey and smiles over the cloud of dismay. First part of this movie was shot in "Banaras" which tints viewer with the color of "Holy" and love and gives viewer a flavor of teen-age immature emotion. But the story of the first part was not only limited to masochistic love. A love that bloomed in Banaras has taken political turn into Delhi which gave this movie a new dimension. In the mean time we get acquainted with rising teen-age thought and filthy power politics. Director immaculately presented some current affairs of Delhi. Here, we must give director some credit that he has depicted so many issues but the taste of this film remained unharmed. No matter how much we try to run away from politics but we have to accept this ugly truth that this very politics somehow control our lives, this very truth is finely depicted here. Another interesting part of this movie is every character here is too much stubborn. Each and every person is crazy at their point and unwilling to compromise. They are ready to leave their race, religion, city even their standards for the sake of love. In this film character of Sonam Kapoor might seem offensive for a little while but this feeling will start to diminish as the movie proceeds. In the ending part of the movie Ananda tells Kundan "There are two types of leader" , one that find peace by abolishing the government and another do find peace by establishing it." In practical life second one is very rare. But one thing has been clarified that if we need to unify all labor class people, first we need to understand their emotion rather than Marx, Angles and so on. But becoming politically influenced suddenly which occurred to Kundan in this film was not at all realistic. Dhanush played tremendously in this film, and 100% fit for this character. A tremendous bollywood debut for Dhanush , no doubt. Avay Deol though seemed little bit aged but not bad as a political leader. He has shown greater promise within a very small margin of time. Though Sonam couldn't always keep rhythm with Dhanush and delivery of her dialogue often lackluster but comparing with her other films definitely she has made progress. Bindia and Murari both characters were splendid throughout the film. Another thing is praiseworthy about this movie that it produced some brilliant dialogues which are really heart touching. Music of A.R Rahman was brilliant as usual (one wouldn't dare to judge, neither would I). Music was very relevant to the city and characters and changes according to the scenes and character. Local music of Banaras has really touched the heart. And Irshad Kamil definitely deserves some credit for his brilliant lyrics. The song "Tum Tak" in the starting of the movie clearly and finely depicts the character of Dhanush. Depiction of songs and cinematography was also very distinctive and praiseworthy. To love something or someone and destroyed by it completely (Fanaa) is the life's truer eminence, the movie pretty much ends with this concept .
Review By Faiad Iftikhar Rafee Dhaka,Bangladeh . fb.me/iamrafee
The interesting part of this film perhaps starts from the point where "Shiba's" incognito boy Kundan falls in love with zoya while she was praying. Kundan's character here noticeably resembles Ranjha's character in myth. Here Kundan is the son of Hindu scholar on the other hand zoya belongs from an educated, middle-class family. But as the movie tends towards conclusion, it is not the religion that stands as obstacle rather it is the intellectual difference between them that does. But in the end they overcome those obstacles with love. So here in the end it is love that makes a triumphant journey and smiles over the cloud of dismay. First part of this movie was shot in "Banaras" which tints viewer with the color of "Holy" and love and gives viewer a flavor of teen-age immature emotion. But the story of the first part was not only limited to masochistic love. A love that bloomed in Banaras has taken political turn into Delhi which gave this movie a new dimension. In the mean time we get acquainted with rising teen-age thought and filthy power politics. Director immaculately presented some current affairs of Delhi. Here, we must give director some credit that he has depicted so many issues but the taste of this film remained unharmed. No matter how much we try to run away from politics but we have to accept this ugly truth that this very politics somehow control our lives, this very truth is finely depicted here. Another interesting part of this movie is every character here is too much stubborn. Each and every person is crazy at their point and unwilling to compromise. They are ready to leave their race, religion, city even their standards for the sake of love. In this film character of Sonam Kapoor might seem offensive for a little while but this feeling will start to diminish as the movie proceeds. In the ending part of the movie Ananda tells Kundan "There are two types of leader" , one that find peace by abolishing the government and another do find peace by establishing it." In practical life second one is very rare. But one thing has been clarified that if we need to unify all labor class people, first we need to understand their emotion rather than Marx, Angles and so on. But becoming politically influenced suddenly which occurred to Kundan in this film was not at all realistic. Dhanush played tremendously in this film, and 100% fit for this character. A tremendous bollywood debut for Dhanush , no doubt. Avay Deol though seemed little bit aged but not bad as a political leader. He has shown greater promise within a very small margin of time. Though Sonam couldn't always keep rhythm with Dhanush and delivery of her dialogue often lackluster but comparing with her other films definitely she has made progress. Bindia and Murari both characters were splendid throughout the film. Another thing is praiseworthy about this movie that it produced some brilliant dialogues which are really heart touching. Music of A.R Rahman was brilliant as usual (one wouldn't dare to judge, neither would I). Music was very relevant to the city and characters and changes according to the scenes and character. Local music of Banaras has really touched the heart. And Irshad Kamil definitely deserves some credit for his brilliant lyrics. The song "Tum Tak" in the starting of the movie clearly and finely depicts the character of Dhanush. Depiction of songs and cinematography was also very distinctive and praiseworthy. To love something or someone and destroyed by it completely (Fanaa) is the life's truer eminence, the movie pretty much ends with this concept .
Review By Faiad Iftikhar Rafee Dhaka,Bangladeh . fb.me/iamrafee
a great entertainer, with a hint of mystery
arix-14321 June 2013
Raanjhanaa is easy viewing works thanks to Dhanush's powerful performance with Sonam kapoor & Mohammed Ayyub. A R Rahman's scores once again. The story is complicated yet transparent, one that you may be inclined to feel judgemental about but one that you'll see from different perspective.
After the flavour blend in the Kanpur for Tanu Weds Manu, Rai extends his ambitious to introduce the majestic of Varanasi city in this movie with a great blend of love story and moreover, since the film revolves around locals, it doesn't make sense to capture the visuals like some wide-eyed tourist. But the playful hues of Holi and a generally colourful palette that defines the city of temples fills the frames for most part till the story shifts to misty winters in Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University campus. CLIMAXXX!!!! A must watch film this season. 4.5/5
After the flavour blend in the Kanpur for Tanu Weds Manu, Rai extends his ambitious to introduce the majestic of Varanasi city in this movie with a great blend of love story and moreover, since the film revolves around locals, it doesn't make sense to capture the visuals like some wide-eyed tourist. But the playful hues of Holi and a generally colourful palette that defines the city of temples fills the frames for most part till the story shifts to misty winters in Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University campus. CLIMAXXX!!!! A must watch film this season. 4.5/5
Tamil cinema is better than Mumbai cinema.Loved it.
AwaixJvd29 July 2013
Warning: Spoilers
The film started and then ended with a huge change. I had tears in my eyes.
He knew that he will be shot, but he went for her will. She betrayed him but he accepted. But I saw the film with a different perspective and let me tell you that.
Today's Indian cinema is losing its charm, they are at loss of topics and they are just making junk stuff. A seasoned film which will earn at least that much that is invested and that's all. But this flick was different and you know how? The director has put something more into the pot and that is the peak of emotions, the sentiments, the love emotion, the innocence, the upside down flip, the musical way of telling the story and above all is the beauty of presenting it. I rarely like some Indian film this much because of cinema losing various things. The technology era has evolved and the originality of the characters and emotions are getting lost somewhere in the smoke of modernization. If you go back in old era of 80s and 90s you will find emotions with simplicity, love with tenderness, sentiments with realities of world, the love without care of money, the simplicity with charisma, the music with emotions, the story so touching and that is where I found it in Indian cinema but being lost in Mumbai film section but it is still alive in Tamil section.
This was one of another film which made me a fan of Tamil films, the other one was a moderate flick but it had something huge in it. I suggest you also watch that too. "David".
He knew that he will be shot, but he went for her will. She betrayed him but he accepted. But I saw the film with a different perspective and let me tell you that.
Today's Indian cinema is losing its charm, they are at loss of topics and they are just making junk stuff. A seasoned film which will earn at least that much that is invested and that's all. But this flick was different and you know how? The director has put something more into the pot and that is the peak of emotions, the sentiments, the love emotion, the innocence, the upside down flip, the musical way of telling the story and above all is the beauty of presenting it. I rarely like some Indian film this much because of cinema losing various things. The technology era has evolved and the originality of the characters and emotions are getting lost somewhere in the smoke of modernization. If you go back in old era of 80s and 90s you will find emotions with simplicity, love with tenderness, sentiments with realities of world, the love without care of money, the simplicity with charisma, the music with emotions, the story so touching and that is where I found it in Indian cinema but being lost in Mumbai film section but it is still alive in Tamil section.
This was one of another film which made me a fan of Tamil films, the other one was a moderate flick but it had something huge in it. I suggest you also watch that too. "David".
Love's Labour's Lost and Salvation of Kundan
amar28078822 June 2013
Warning: Spoilers
9 out of 10 movies are based around a theme where a boy sees a girl and then falls for her and next aspires for her love in return. This movie claims to be no different. However, it has some kind of Paulo Coelhoisque effect, which lingers and dominates the second half of the movie and the journey of Kundan's salvation really brings the heart out of the audience. Once I was told by my teacher that tragedy is not when something wrong goes to a person; it's just his bad luck or ill fate. Tragedy happens when an ego clashes with one's love. Saying so, this movie is no tragedy. As in here we'll find the confrontation of two different sort of love; one of Kundan's and another of Zoya's. People really need to see this colourful portrayal/celebration/confrontation of love on the screen.
The great aspect of the movie is the locations of Varanasi. I have never seen any other movie capturing the essence of Kashi in such a grand manner as this movie does. The screen sometimes appeared to be the portrait of Varanasi with all its colours, galiyas, ghats and so on. I guess after this the other filmmakers will also realize the potential that this city can offer them on the screen. In addition, the melodious tunes of Rehman bring the vibrant nature of Shiva's nagari with all its thumping and tablas and shanais and chanting. Audience will just fall in love with the first half of the movie. I want to see more of Dhanush, national award winner, in Hindi cinema. He has such a powerful screen presence that you will be in awe to see how he grows his character putting all different shades in it. So innocent, so so innocent. I just loved his Kundan. Sukanya Verma wrote in her review that Kundan is a gem (pun intended). I say, indeed, he is. For Sonam Kapoor, I'll say people should start taking her seriously as she has an immense potential in her yet I feel she should work more on her dialogue delivery. Her Zoya is the best she has offered yet to us, and I believe that this is just a beginning for her illustrious career. I highly recommend this movie to each and everyone who have loved and felt its pangs. If not, then go for some nice dialogues and yes for Dhanush.
The great aspect of the movie is the locations of Varanasi. I have never seen any other movie capturing the essence of Kashi in such a grand manner as this movie does. The screen sometimes appeared to be the portrait of Varanasi with all its colours, galiyas, ghats and so on. I guess after this the other filmmakers will also realize the potential that this city can offer them on the screen. In addition, the melodious tunes of Rehman bring the vibrant nature of Shiva's nagari with all its thumping and tablas and shanais and chanting. Audience will just fall in love with the first half of the movie. I want to see more of Dhanush, national award winner, in Hindi cinema. He has such a powerful screen presence that you will be in awe to see how he grows his character putting all different shades in it. So innocent, so so innocent. I just loved his Kundan. Sukanya Verma wrote in her review that Kundan is a gem (pun intended). I say, indeed, he is. For Sonam Kapoor, I'll say people should start taking her seriously as she has an immense potential in her yet I feel she should work more on her dialogue delivery. Her Zoya is the best she has offered yet to us, and I believe that this is just a beginning for her illustrious career. I highly recommend this movie to each and everyone who have loved and felt its pangs. If not, then go for some nice dialogues and yes for Dhanush.
How Politics can ruin a beautiful story
.
rahasyaratna24 June 2013
Politics can ruin love, politics can ruin career, politics can ruin life and Politics can ruin a beautiful story. This is Raanjhanaa!!! Just kidding! It's not politics actually; it's the people who start playing politics in their life ruin everything. Zoya played by a Sonam Kapoor is a Muslim girl of Banaras who is forced to fall in love with Kundan played by Dhanush in her childhood because of his consistency and typical small town – lower middle class approach to propose a girl by attempting suicide. He being a Hindu is not acceptable to her family. She retaliates; as a result parents send her to Aligarh for further studies to avoid Kundan's proximity. But Kundan is madly in love with her and waiting her to come back. She comes back after 8 years and has forgotten Kundan (what bullshit!!). Kundan confronts her and she reveals that she loves somebody else from College. She uses Kundan to get her love. He being fully devoted to her, does whatever she says. But somewhere he has a feeling of revenge and he gets his chance. But his action leads to a dramatic turn in the story. This is first half which is a full package of entertainment. The tempo of the story is very gud up to here.
Read Further on : http://mayahirahasya.blogspot.in/2013/06/raanjhanaa.html
Read Further on : http://mayahirahasya.blogspot.in/2013/06/raanjhanaa.html
Perfect example of how a novel love story angle gets diluted in the overstuffed execution on screen.
bobbysing23 July 2013
After so many memorable films made in this particular genre, coming up with a new impressive angle in a love story is quite impossible as it seems in Hindi Cinema. But surprisingly RAANJHANAA makes that difficult breakthrough in its offered content and the film surely scores its main brownie points for this very reason alone, unarguably.
Its basic storyline has many important twists and turns coming every half an hour which also might (partially) remind you of films such as MAGNIFICENT OBSESSION (1954), KINARA (1977) & TUM BIN (2001). The film starts impressively from the childhood and then enters the adolescence age quickly where the boy gets slapped repeatedly by the girl in a very weird manner. After a brief meeting revealing their identities, the religion factor of Hindu-Muslim comes in and then both get separated as the girl goes to another town for higher studies. Meanwhile an incident of the boy cutting his wrist is also there which the girl easily forgets as she returns back to the town after a few years. Now this whole premise of the boy's one sided love is both cute and interesting and Dhanush's innocent portrayal of his true to life character is another reason that this initial hour keeps you hooked on to the screen with all its love, drama and songs.
But actually, there are too many absurdities and unconvincing liberties in the script, which don't let you fall in love with their characters completely. To be precise, in a traditional city like Banaras, a young School Girl slapping a Romeo boy several times (right in the middle of the road), not causing any panic in the people around was quite unbelievable. Secondly as the boy and girl meet for the first time, a young girl of 9th standard (coming from a conservative Muslim family) straight away putting her hand in the boy's open shirt to find his "Jenau" was again highly absurd for me and strongly disgraceful too. Thirdly, it was really funny to see that the girl, returning to the town just after 3-4 years is simply not able to recognize the same boy who had slit his wrist only for her when she was in the 9th standard.
Thankfully, just when the boy-girl love angle starts becoming monotonous, comes Abhay Deol to save the film, but then he also falls in the same trap of absurdity in the next few scenes. Now the highly weird scenes featuring Abhay Deol includes the one wherein a sudden kiss on the cheek is given by the girl right in the middle of the campus (a girl who comes from a traditional Muslim family of Banaras). And why she kisses all of a sudden? That's because she strongly wishes to prove her point that all people are not equal on this earth and some are special. Next the girl's Muslim family members of Banaras who are very particular about the religion, make no investigation about the boy, ask nothing about his family background and have no questions to ask before announcing the marriage of their beautiful daughter to him in a hurry.
However, this is where we have the major novel twist in the plot which also gets lost as the story moves further and the director misses to use the factor of guilt, love and emotion in it in the later part of his film. But wait the 'Memory Loss' absurdity re-surfaces once again here when Dhanush forgets to attend his own marriage after getting dressed for it in the tailor shop and so does his dear friend who was most interested in getting him married in order to get out of this silly love-mess.
Post intermission, we have another shocking twist and then suddenly the love story takes a major, social political turn bringing in the 'Safdar Hashmi' element into its execution. Now we have our lead characters fighting for the common man, cleaning the roads and even contesting for the elections. In short, keeping the absurdities aside, it's the first half of the film which makes an impression but the second half pulls it down completely giving it a political angle unnecessarily. Too many unrelated subplots inserted post interval, dilute the overall impact of its fine love story and the viewer loses the interest once the film crosses its desired length.
Looking from a brighter angle, cinematography plays a major role in making an impression capturing the local ambiance of the city beautifully and the dialogues make their presence felt in few enjoyable scenes. But the music (including the background score) turns out to be a quite less than expected from the maestro A. R. Rahman, except "Aisey To Na Dekho".
Performance wise, the film totally belongs to Dhanush, who makes a strong impact as an actor particularly in the second half. He wins over the viewer first with his innocence and later with his acting skill in the final hour of the film quite strongly. Sonam emotes well, yet I couldn't find anything new in her act honestly. Abhay Deol once again delivers what is required from him in a small special appearance. But why he accepted such kind of miniscule role remains a mystery. In reality, it's the supporting cast here which makes a more important contribution, wherein both Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub and Swara Bhaskar are truly brilliant as Dhanush's childhood friends. Plus Kumud Mishra, Vipin Sharma and Sujata Kumar simply excel in their few but important scenes in the first half.
In all, focusing only on its core issue of a one sided love, its mistakes and the guilt factor, RAANJHANAA could have reached a different level altogether in this particular genre. But in its present avatar it just remains an above average love saga with a difference. And you can watch it once just for Dhanush's sincere act to say the actual truth.
Its basic storyline has many important twists and turns coming every half an hour which also might (partially) remind you of films such as MAGNIFICENT OBSESSION (1954), KINARA (1977) & TUM BIN (2001). The film starts impressively from the childhood and then enters the adolescence age quickly where the boy gets slapped repeatedly by the girl in a very weird manner. After a brief meeting revealing their identities, the religion factor of Hindu-Muslim comes in and then both get separated as the girl goes to another town for higher studies. Meanwhile an incident of the boy cutting his wrist is also there which the girl easily forgets as she returns back to the town after a few years. Now this whole premise of the boy's one sided love is both cute and interesting and Dhanush's innocent portrayal of his true to life character is another reason that this initial hour keeps you hooked on to the screen with all its love, drama and songs.
But actually, there are too many absurdities and unconvincing liberties in the script, which don't let you fall in love with their characters completely. To be precise, in a traditional city like Banaras, a young School Girl slapping a Romeo boy several times (right in the middle of the road), not causing any panic in the people around was quite unbelievable. Secondly as the boy and girl meet for the first time, a young girl of 9th standard (coming from a conservative Muslim family) straight away putting her hand in the boy's open shirt to find his "Jenau" was again highly absurd for me and strongly disgraceful too. Thirdly, it was really funny to see that the girl, returning to the town just after 3-4 years is simply not able to recognize the same boy who had slit his wrist only for her when she was in the 9th standard.
Thankfully, just when the boy-girl love angle starts becoming monotonous, comes Abhay Deol to save the film, but then he also falls in the same trap of absurdity in the next few scenes. Now the highly weird scenes featuring Abhay Deol includes the one wherein a sudden kiss on the cheek is given by the girl right in the middle of the campus (a girl who comes from a traditional Muslim family of Banaras). And why she kisses all of a sudden? That's because she strongly wishes to prove her point that all people are not equal on this earth and some are special. Next the girl's Muslim family members of Banaras who are very particular about the religion, make no investigation about the boy, ask nothing about his family background and have no questions to ask before announcing the marriage of their beautiful daughter to him in a hurry.
However, this is where we have the major novel twist in the plot which also gets lost as the story moves further and the director misses to use the factor of guilt, love and emotion in it in the later part of his film. But wait the 'Memory Loss' absurdity re-surfaces once again here when Dhanush forgets to attend his own marriage after getting dressed for it in the tailor shop and so does his dear friend who was most interested in getting him married in order to get out of this silly love-mess.
Post intermission, we have another shocking twist and then suddenly the love story takes a major, social political turn bringing in the 'Safdar Hashmi' element into its execution. Now we have our lead characters fighting for the common man, cleaning the roads and even contesting for the elections. In short, keeping the absurdities aside, it's the first half of the film which makes an impression but the second half pulls it down completely giving it a political angle unnecessarily. Too many unrelated subplots inserted post interval, dilute the overall impact of its fine love story and the viewer loses the interest once the film crosses its desired length.
Looking from a brighter angle, cinematography plays a major role in making an impression capturing the local ambiance of the city beautifully and the dialogues make their presence felt in few enjoyable scenes. But the music (including the background score) turns out to be a quite less than expected from the maestro A. R. Rahman, except "Aisey To Na Dekho".
Performance wise, the film totally belongs to Dhanush, who makes a strong impact as an actor particularly in the second half. He wins over the viewer first with his innocence and later with his acting skill in the final hour of the film quite strongly. Sonam emotes well, yet I couldn't find anything new in her act honestly. Abhay Deol once again delivers what is required from him in a small special appearance. But why he accepted such kind of miniscule role remains a mystery. In reality, it's the supporting cast here which makes a more important contribution, wherein both Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub and Swara Bhaskar are truly brilliant as Dhanush's childhood friends. Plus Kumud Mishra, Vipin Sharma and Sujata Kumar simply excel in their few but important scenes in the first half.
In all, focusing only on its core issue of a one sided love, its mistakes and the guilt factor, RAANJHANAA could have reached a different level altogether in this particular genre. But in its present avatar it just remains an above average love saga with a difference. And you can watch it once just for Dhanush's sincere act to say the actual truth.
A Beautifully Honest Love Story
abhishek_chatterji30 June 2013
I can't remember the last time I watched a Bollywood movie and couldn't find a loophole in the plot/storyline.
Plot: A love-struck boy pursues a girl across the spectrum of time, only to find out that she loves someone else. His reactions and its repercussions follow.
Pros: 1. A well-written script with plenty of room for your senses to take control.
2. Stellar acting by Dhanush, Abhay Deol is at his enigmatic best and even Sonam Kapoor manages to act gracefully.
3. Myriad emotions and colors from the city of Banaras to add dimensions to this movie.
Cons: Still can't think of one.
Verdict: Watch it and let your emotions flow. Recommended.
Plot: A love-struck boy pursues a girl across the spectrum of time, only to find out that she loves someone else. His reactions and its repercussions follow.
Pros: 1. A well-written script with plenty of room for your senses to take control.
2. Stellar acting by Dhanush, Abhay Deol is at his enigmatic best and even Sonam Kapoor manages to act gracefully.
3. Myriad emotions and colors from the city of Banaras to add dimensions to this movie.
Cons: Still can't think of one.
Verdict: Watch it and let your emotions flow. Recommended.
Rare Delight
vishal65729 June 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Romantic movie & movie with a love story, there are differences. Think twice, you will find them. Raanjhanaa is an out and out hardcore, brutal love story, garnished with brilliant performances, script, music, dialogues, wit, cuss-words and aroma of Banaras.
Director, Anand Rai, knows & exploits the right chord to give 'goose- bumps' to his viewers. First Kanpur (Tanu Weds Manu) now it's Banaras. He roped in a National Award winning actor to play the prime character, Kundan, in this heart wrenching tale. Kundan's family has been brought from Tamil Nadu, some 200 years ago, to Banaras for practicing 'Panditayi' on the ghats of Ganga.
All started in a way you have rarely witnessed, in the recent past. The writer and director gave you no time between any two incidents in the narration. Pre-interval it's amazingly paced & power packed. Kundan, aka Pandit, stalking Zoya everyday & everywhere. Zoya, like a typical girl, enjoyed every bit of this 'picha karana'. The game of teenage continued its journey, with a break of 8 years, to their young age and drifted from ghats of Banaras to JNU & political streets of Delhi, via Punjab. Murari, the childhood friend, tried his every bit to save Kundan, from the love of Zoya, who was trying to get something which was not in the lines of his hands, but like they say 'an excited heart has no ears' or the typical line "Love is Blind", Kundan unknowingly (knowingly) wrote his own destiny.
Post interval, everything and everybody was so scattered that it was quite a task to move ahead with the narration. In the consequence, director injected something which was not enough to satisfy you emotionally or mentally, as a viewer. But, again the climax lifts the film up to the level from where it started.
Dhanus, as Kundan, may be a surprise for them who have seen him for the first time. We have two categories of actors in the film industries across the globe, A) Superstars & Actors. You can count many superstars and as many actors. But, there is a rare breed of Acting Superstars, Dhanus belongs to it. It's the immense talent of this Tamil Actor that not only he dubbed in his own voice but he brought the Banarasi accent, the real essence, in his dialogue delivery. You can sense the way he speak as a teenager and as a mature man. His body language, cute smile & expressive eyes, all yells a lot about his stature as an actor.
By far, this is a better performance of Sonam Kapoor, as Zoya. Zoya is an unaccountable character & Sonam did justice to it. Abhay Deol, as Jasjit, in his short presence made his way and showed his (usual) elegant side of acting as a political leader. The actor or the character, other than Dhanus's Kundan, who left his mark and got few best lines in this love story is Murari, played by Md Zeeshan Ayyub. Swara Bhaskar as Bindiya is fantastic.
The duo, ARR and Irshad Qamil once again, after Rockstar, created musical magic. Raanjhanaa,Tum Tak, Banarasiya all are beautiful and expresses the circumstances of the characters. Rehman's background score, too, is good as always.
Directors, after getting fed up of capturing lush green Europe & glittering American streets, have moved to the trendy France, Classy Chez, Turkey & Latin American countries in search of new locations. But, Anand Rai has used the Banarsi locations, viz assi ghat, Ramnagar Qila, BHU & JNU, to tell his story & he succeed better than most of his contemporaries. Banaras has never been cinematographed like this before.
Himanshu Sharma, the story and dialogue writer, deserves some acknowledgment in the award functions next year. Rarely we do remember so many dialogues once we get out of the theater.
You hate love stories?? It's a must watch for you. You love love stories??? Go and watch the other dimension of it.
Director, Anand Rai, knows & exploits the right chord to give 'goose- bumps' to his viewers. First Kanpur (Tanu Weds Manu) now it's Banaras. He roped in a National Award winning actor to play the prime character, Kundan, in this heart wrenching tale. Kundan's family has been brought from Tamil Nadu, some 200 years ago, to Banaras for practicing 'Panditayi' on the ghats of Ganga.
All started in a way you have rarely witnessed, in the recent past. The writer and director gave you no time between any two incidents in the narration. Pre-interval it's amazingly paced & power packed. Kundan, aka Pandit, stalking Zoya everyday & everywhere. Zoya, like a typical girl, enjoyed every bit of this 'picha karana'. The game of teenage continued its journey, with a break of 8 years, to their young age and drifted from ghats of Banaras to JNU & political streets of Delhi, via Punjab. Murari, the childhood friend, tried his every bit to save Kundan, from the love of Zoya, who was trying to get something which was not in the lines of his hands, but like they say 'an excited heart has no ears' or the typical line "Love is Blind", Kundan unknowingly (knowingly) wrote his own destiny.
Post interval, everything and everybody was so scattered that it was quite a task to move ahead with the narration. In the consequence, director injected something which was not enough to satisfy you emotionally or mentally, as a viewer. But, again the climax lifts the film up to the level from where it started.
Dhanus, as Kundan, may be a surprise for them who have seen him for the first time. We have two categories of actors in the film industries across the globe, A) Superstars & Actors. You can count many superstars and as many actors. But, there is a rare breed of Acting Superstars, Dhanus belongs to it. It's the immense talent of this Tamil Actor that not only he dubbed in his own voice but he brought the Banarasi accent, the real essence, in his dialogue delivery. You can sense the way he speak as a teenager and as a mature man. His body language, cute smile & expressive eyes, all yells a lot about his stature as an actor.
By far, this is a better performance of Sonam Kapoor, as Zoya. Zoya is an unaccountable character & Sonam did justice to it. Abhay Deol, as Jasjit, in his short presence made his way and showed his (usual) elegant side of acting as a political leader. The actor or the character, other than Dhanus's Kundan, who left his mark and got few best lines in this love story is Murari, played by Md Zeeshan Ayyub. Swara Bhaskar as Bindiya is fantastic.
The duo, ARR and Irshad Qamil once again, after Rockstar, created musical magic. Raanjhanaa,Tum Tak, Banarasiya all are beautiful and expresses the circumstances of the characters. Rehman's background score, too, is good as always.
Directors, after getting fed up of capturing lush green Europe & glittering American streets, have moved to the trendy France, Classy Chez, Turkey & Latin American countries in search of new locations. But, Anand Rai has used the Banarsi locations, viz assi ghat, Ramnagar Qila, BHU & JNU, to tell his story & he succeed better than most of his contemporaries. Banaras has never been cinematographed like this before.
Himanshu Sharma, the story and dialogue writer, deserves some acknowledgment in the award functions next year. Rarely we do remember so many dialogues once we get out of the theater.
You hate love stories?? It's a must watch for you. You love love stories??? Go and watch the other dimension of it.
Just perfect!
rs-243353 May 2020
Everything about this movie is just perfect! Music, characters, directors, set, actors everything! This is the kind of movie that comed once in a decade. Even Anand L Rai won't be able to make another movie like this. Dhanush is unbelievable.
A Well-Acted & Well-Written Film!
namashi_125 June 2013
Anand L. Rai's 'Raanjhanaa' is A Well-Acted & Well-Written Film! The biggest plus-point of the film is, that, it isn't clichéd nor predictable. Its interesting, entertaining & heart-warming. Certainly, A Winner!
'Raanjhanaa' Synopsis: A boy falls in love with a girl & follows her in every step of her life.
'Raanjhanaa' begins brilliantly. The protagonist, Kundan, played delightfully well by Dhanush, is a hero to root for, because his journey is full of surprises. The first-hour is humorous & has a certain tenderness to it. The second-hour, on the other-hand, is intense & a bit depressing. Himanshu Sharma's Screenplay is Well-Written & doesn't end up being clichéd, which is its biggest asset. Though, The Writing dips considerably in its intense second-hour, it never really bores. But yes, a better second-hour would've only enhanced the film's overall impact.
Anand L. Rai's Direction is skilled. The filmmaker has handled the light as the as well as the intense moments, with dexterity. Cinematography captures the rustic look well. Editing is fair. Music by A.R Rahman is super, as always.
Performance-Wise: Dhanush is delightful as Kundan. He's an unlikely hero, but his performance from start to end, makes him an endearing & memorable hero. Sonam Kapoor plays her part effectively, although her dialogue delivery seems flat at times. Abhay Deol is flattering in a cameo. Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub & Swara Bhaskar are mesmeric in strong supporting roles. They contribute enormously in the goings-on.
On the whole, 'Raanjhanaa' is a pleasant surprise, that entertains efficiently. Go For It!
'Raanjhanaa' Synopsis: A boy falls in love with a girl & follows her in every step of her life.
'Raanjhanaa' begins brilliantly. The protagonist, Kundan, played delightfully well by Dhanush, is a hero to root for, because his journey is full of surprises. The first-hour is humorous & has a certain tenderness to it. The second-hour, on the other-hand, is intense & a bit depressing. Himanshu Sharma's Screenplay is Well-Written & doesn't end up being clichéd, which is its biggest asset. Though, The Writing dips considerably in its intense second-hour, it never really bores. But yes, a better second-hour would've only enhanced the film's overall impact.
Anand L. Rai's Direction is skilled. The filmmaker has handled the light as the as well as the intense moments, with dexterity. Cinematography captures the rustic look well. Editing is fair. Music by A.R Rahman is super, as always.
Performance-Wise: Dhanush is delightful as Kundan. He's an unlikely hero, but his performance from start to end, makes him an endearing & memorable hero. Sonam Kapoor plays her part effectively, although her dialogue delivery seems flat at times. Abhay Deol is flattering in a cameo. Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub & Swara Bhaskar are mesmeric in strong supporting roles. They contribute enormously in the goings-on.
On the whole, 'Raanjhanaa' is a pleasant surprise, that entertains efficiently. Go For It!
Could've been better....
shaikhirshad-4122312 June 2021
Dhanush is a brilliant actor no doubt and he has given all of it to this role but could've been more better if th casting could change. Story was average nothing new to add. Songs were amazing specially A. R. RAHMAN music was phenomenal. Supporting cast was too good to watch specially Zeeshan & Swara good to watch both of them. Sonam kapoor looks cute and she has done average acting not that bad.. All of it its one time watch with good music and a preferable story.
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